Under Orders: The Story of a Young Reporter

A novel written in the late 19th century. The book follows the journey of Myles Manning, a young man who finds himself suddenly responsible for his family's financial well-being after his father's unexpected blindness and loss of income. As Myles navigates the challenges of transitioning from college life to the reality of working as a reporter, he faces both personal and professional trials that test his character and resolve. The opening of the story introduces the Manning family in a state of crisis, struggling with financial burdens as they attempt to send Myles through college. The narrative quickly shifts to Myles's decision to leave school and support his family by pursuing a career in journalism, despite initially viewing reporters as beneath him. He is guided by his new friend Van Cleef, who encourages him to embrace this career path. As Myles embarks on his first day as a reporter, he encounters the dangers and unpredictability of the job, finding himself embroiled in a tumultuous streetcar strike. This scenario sets the stage for Myles's growth as he learns to adapt to the demands of his new profession while maintaining his determination to uplift his family.